Moline Daily Dispatch October 4, 1966: Rich Briley
 
Moline, Illinois -- SR 92 @ Quad City Airport
 

A classic mid-1960s Howard Johnson's, Moline opened in 1966 with:

96 Spacious Air conditioned Rooms--
--Heated swimming pool--
--Direct dial telephones--
--Conference rooms--
--Restaurant--
--Cocktail Lounge--

 

Presenting the Quad-Cities New

HOWARD JOHNSON'S

Motor Lodge and Restaurant

This sign, familiar to millions of traveling Americans is now a part of the Quad-City scene. The recently opened Howard Johnson's facilities are located at the Quad-City Airport. Here you will find every comfort for the weary traveler...including spacious magnificently furnished rooms, color television, a heated pool, outstanding dining and cocktail lounge, complete banquet and meeting room facilities. The guest can operate all of the lights in the room, color television, air conditioning and wake-up and message service while relaxing on the comfortable beds, as each room features the new "Pamper-Panel" bedside control.
 
Postcard ca. 1960s: Kummerlowe Archive
 
In researching the Sandy's Drive-In Restaurant chain, Rich Briley discovered important information regarding the Moline Howard Johnson's complex. Briley learned that Robert V. Hallen, Inc of Rockford, Illinois was the general contractor for the Motor Lodge and Restaurant project. Even more, he found that Radio Manufacturers, Inc. of 601 West Fort Street, Detroit, Michigan had manufactured the "Pamper Panels" that were installed in each of Moline's guest rooms!
 
 
 
 
 
Photos circa 1969: Rich Briley
 
Rich Briley recalled the Moline Quad-City HoJo's fondly. He celebrated a Birthday there in about 1969 with a group of his friends! He wrote that the Howard Johnson's "was a major part of people's lives in the area...it was right at the entrance (it pretty much was the entrance!) to the airport..."Mr. Briley further noted that the restaurant lost its Howard Johnson name first when it was converted into Aunt Mary's Restaurant. Then later, the Motor Lodge was closed and the entire complex was razed for airport expansion-- all that's there now is a grassy lot.
 
7-1966 p 6: Howard Johnson's Landmark
 
The purpose of this site is informational. It is neither commercial nor representative of any brand, company, or business. Trade names, trademarks, etc. that are depicted remain the property of their respective owners. Please contact this site's owner prior to reproducing any part of it. Works from contributors (includes photographs, ephemera, etc.) must not be reproduced without their explicit consent.